Meet Justin Emord

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Justin Emord. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Justin, so excited to have you with us today. So much we can chat about, but one of the questions we are most interested in is how you have managed to keep your creativity alive.

For me, keeping my creativity alive happens in a few different ways, but at the core it’s driven by a hunger for the new and the unknown—by the things I haven’t yet tried. Whether I’m collaborating with a new artist and stepping into their world, or diving into a different photographic discipline and bringing the skills I’ve honed elsewhere to energize this new direction, that sense of exploration is what keeps me inspired.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

Here’s a smoother, more polished rewrite that keeps your story and voice intact:

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My love for music started in 4th grade, when my school finally got a music teacher. I began on piano, focusing on symphonic and classical pieces. As I got older, I joined the jazz band and picked up guitar and bass. Toward the end of high school, everything changed the night I saw the Trans-Siberian Orchestra at Madison Square Garden. Within a week of coming home, I bought my first recording software and started writing and recording my own music.

Since then, I’ve played in several bands before joining Love and a .38 in 2011. Blending our passion for old-school, guitar-driven ’70s rock with a modern edge, we’ve released a ton of music and toured across Canada, Mexico, and Sweden, as well as performing at festivals throughout the U.S. I’ve also begun doing hired-gun work, including the pleasure of working with Grammy®-nominated artist Antonio Vergara this past summer.

None of this would have happened without that first music teacher sparking a lifelong passion. Remembering where I came from matters to me, which is why I partner with various organizations such as NAMM, CMEA and the Recording Academy to advocate for music education. I’ve had the privilege of speaking with elected officials at both the state and federal levels to help ensure music education remains a core part of a well-rounded education here in the United States.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

I’d say tenacity, consistency, and flexibility.

Music can be just as soul-crushing as it is rewarding, so it’s essential to have a mindset that doesn’t collapse when things don’t go your way—or within the timeframe you hoped for.

Consistency matters just as much. No one wants to work with someone they can’t rely on. Showing up on time and delivering what you promised, when you promised it, is key to building trust and being someone others actively seek out.

And finally, flexibility. As a musician, you’re going to encounter a wide range of personalities and dynamics. Being able to navigate all of that with ease is crucial to long-term success.

What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?

Here’s a smoother, more polished rewrite:

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The most impactful thing my parents did wasn’t just supporting my interest in learning music—though they believed every kid should at least try the arts and sports—it was that they actually *insisted* I take lessons which I know is the opposite of what most kids experience.

When I was young, I tried piano through the Yamaha School of Music, and a few years later I took guitar lessons from an instructor in our apartment building. In both cases, I could play and read music, but I lacked the discipline and desire to practice. Once my school finally got a music teacher, my parents wanted me to give it one more shot. I resisted, mostly because lessons were only offered during recess. But they won that battle—and I’m so grateful they did.

My favorite school memories ended up being in the band room, at recitals, and at competitions. It’s wild to think I almost missed out on all of that just to play at recess.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://loveanda38music.com
• Instagram: @loveanda38
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/loveanda38
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/loveanda38
• Other: https://justinemord.myportfolio.com/